In reality, the request for Ruf to speak to one more media member was just a ploy to get him out of the clubhouse and into his manager's office where Dusty Wathan broke the news that he'd be heading to Philadelphia to join the Phillies for Monday's game.

One night of sleep and countless text messages later, Ruf, the Eastern League MVP and rookie of the year, arrived at Citizens Bank Park.

"Got here early," the 26-year-old said of his 12:30 arrival. "I wanted to make sure I didn't miss out on anything."

Ruf unpacked his equipment and settled into his new home with a locker that's situated in the middle of the room and sits about halfway between Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley.

His next stop? Manager Charlie Manuel's office, a place where there was no shortage of excitement.

"He had a big smile on his face when I walked in," said Ruf, who hit .317 with 32 doubles, a triple and 105 RBIs for Reading. "I think mine was probably a little bit bigger than his."

Maybe so, but don't underestimate Manuel's eagerness when it comes to getting first a glimpse, and then a good look, at Ruf on the field.

The Nebraska native, touted for his power, hit a team-record 38 home runs in the regular season this year.

Not impressed? Check out his August numbers. Last month, he batted .371 (43-for-116) with 20 home runs, which tied Sammy Sosa's professional record of 20 homers in a single month, hit five doubles, had 36 RBIs, 28 runs scored, posted a .451 on-base percentage and had a .931 slugging percentage.

His numbers have prompted T-shirts that say "Babe Ruf," which former teammate Steve Lerud was wearing upon Ruf's arrival in the clubhouse, and a comment from Jake Diekman, who hollered, "Hey Babe, I've got a question."

So far, Ruf has been keeping his numbers — particularly his home run total that broke Ryan Howard's record of 37 set in 2004 — in perspective. That alone has people comparing him to Howard, the 2006 NL MVP who was the fastest player in MLB history to reach 150, 200 and 250 home runs.

"I obviously don't think I deserve it because of all of the things [Howard's] accomplished," Ruf said. "I broke one Double-A record that he held."

Ruf then acknowledged one other tidbit. He hit his 38 home runs in 139 games with Reading. Howard played in only 102 in 2004 when he hit 37.

The biggest question with Ruf lies with his defense. The Phillies have plans for him to play left field, a position he played in just 29 games this season and 10 other times with Class-A Clearwater in 2010 and 2011.

Manuel is staying positive about the situation. He's managed other outfielders, particularly those who have played left, who weren't blessed with tremendous speed (Pat Burrell) or even fabulous arms (Raul Ibanez), but they made it work.

"I think sometimes you can get by with one guy or two that's not what you call real quick or what you call great defensive players, but most of the time those guys we talk about, what they got to they caught," Manuel said. "Pat Burrell, most of the time, when he got to the ball he caught it. It just depends on how weak he is in the outfield and what he does.

"If you can hit, then we'll find a place for you."

Especially Manuel. The man loves guys who can hit, particularly the long ball.

"You see this ballpark? If we were going to add onto it tonight, why do you think we'd add on to it? People want to come in and watch guys hit. Guys can throw a shutout, but after awhile they'll get tired of seeing shutouts. They like somebody that can move the baseball.

"Sometimes I talk that way and people think I'm a three-run home run guy. I am a three-run home run guy, but if you got the other kind of talent, you can play the other parts of the game, too."

Tyler Cloyd saw first-hand years ago how dangerous a hitter Ruf was. The two went to high school about 15 miles away from each other in Nebraska and they played against each other several times.

"Playing against him in high school wasn't fun," Cloyd said. "I can't imagine pitching against him now."

When the two ended up getting drafted by the Phillies, they spent the offseasons working out together.

"We never thought that we would be playing with one another in pro ball," Cloyd said. "It's been great watching him become the player that he's turned into. It's something that we've been working hard for and finally got here."

DINGERS: Because of Sunday's doubleheader, the Phillies need a starter for Thursday's game in Houston, and Cloyd will get the ball on short rest, something he's never done. … Jonathan Papelbon got the win in Game 1 Sunday and the save in Game 2, a first for a major leaguer since C.J. Wilson did it for Texas on May 29, 2009. Tug McGraw was the last Phillie to do it (May 15, 1975, and June 29, 1975).